Over 70s National Cricket Championships - Sunshine Coast - Day Three and Four

Game 3, on Monday 17 September, was played at the John Blanck Oval at Maroochydore Cricket Club.

There are four cricket grounds at this complex and we had played games at this location in 2013.

Our opposition for this match was Tasmania. Roger Edmunds who toured in the Australian Over 70s team to England was a member of the Tasmanian team. During the match Kevin Meikle, a member of the Australian over 60s tour of England in 2015, came to watch the matches being played at the ground and stopped for a chat with Robin and me. It was good to see him again.

Tasmania batted first and were 9 for 99 at the end of their 40 overs. Ron Lovel and Ron Kasputtis each had two wickets. Bruce Pooley, John Costello, Ian Longmuir and Ian Rowland each had one wicket. In reply, Victoria was 1 for 100 in the 29th over. Ian Rowland (28 n.o.), Ian B Gibson (15), Wayne Warner (16) and Wavell McPherson (22 n.o.) were the main scorers.

It was another good win resulting in Victoria being clear winners in Pool A (Division 1).

As the game finished early the players went across to an adjoining ground to watch the end of the NSW game against the Queensland Cyclones.

Dinner that night was a fisherman's basket purchased from the Fish 'n' Chippery and enjoyed back at the apartment.

Next day we were back at the John Blanck Oval for the final against the Queensland Cyclones - winners of Pool B.

Members of the Queensland Cyclones team - three members of this team, Ian Petherick, John Stackpoole and Colin Cooke had been members of the recent Australian Over 70s tour to England.

Before the game our 'Two Ronnies' - Ron Lovel and Ron Kasputtis, inspected the pitch.

The Victorian team waiting for the game to start.

Queensland Cyclones won the toss and elected to bat. The Victorians bowled tightly and at the end of the 40 overs the Cyclones were 9 for 133. Ian Longmuir took 3 wickets, Ron Lovel and John Costello each took two and Robin 1. A good performance by the bowlers and fielders.
Unfortunately the Victorians could only manage 8 for 105 at the end of the 40 overs. Ian Rowland (29), Arthur Pritchard (19) and Ron Lovel (14 n.o.) were the best of the Victorian batsmen.

The Queensland Cyclones were therefore the winners of the Doug Turbill Trophy for 2018.

In the evening we attended the Championship Dinner at the Maroochy RSL Club in Maroochydore.

It was a great night with good food and entertainment. A fitting end to to the 2018 championships.